What is the Tulsa Library Trust?
The mission of the Tulsa Library Trust is to increase the Tulsa City-County Library’s capacity to provide the highest quality programs and services to citizens for lifelong learning.
How does the Trust work?
In 1972 the Tulsa Library Trust was formed as a nonprofit organization to receive and administer donations for services and programs beyond the funding capabilities of the Tulsa City-County Library’s annual operating budget. Without the support of the Tulsa Library Trust, the library could not offer these valuable programs and services:
- Children’s summer reading program
- Replacement of worn-out books
- Tutoring and conversation circles for English as a Second Language students
- Building enhancement projects
- Adult literacy tutoring
- Community outreach
- Specialized book purchases
- Young People’s Creative Writing Contest
- African-American Resource Center programs
- Hispanic Resource Center programs
- Marcus R. Tower Service Award
- American Indian Festival of Words and Author Award
- Sankofa Freedom Award
- Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature
- Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award
- Asian-American Festival
How are the Tulsa City-County Library funds distributed?
The library’s operating budget pays for maintenance, utilities, staffing and thousands of new books each year. However, the budget does not cover replacement of many worn-out and heavily used books, specialized collections, author programs and special services, such as the children’s summer reading program and adult literacy tutoring. Residents of Tulsa County depend on the library for these services:
- Up-to-date selection of books
- Community programs
- Audiobooks
- Movies on DVD
- Music CDs
- Computer access
- Reference materials
- Literary events
- Job assistance
- Educational opportunities for learners of every age
Board Members 2022
The Tulsa Library Trust board is comprised of a talented, dedicated, resourceful, and generous group of Tulsa leaders.
- Isaac Ellis (President)
- Brianna Ghosn (President-Elect)
- Jordan Helmerich
- Paul Johnson (Secretary/Treasurer)
- Annette LaFortune Murray
- Martin L.J. Newman
- Susan Savage
- Clifton Taulbert
- Julie Watson (Vice President)